Erie, PA Things to Do and Attractions

Known as Erie's center of outdoor recreation, the 3,200-acre Presque Isle State Park is home to more than 15 miles of trails, miles of beaches and diverse ecological zones from its shoreline to climax forest. The day-use peninsula park is a fantastic

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Known as Erie's center of outdoor recreation, the 3,200-acre Presque Isle State Park is home to more than 15 miles of trails, miles of beaches and diverse ecological zones from its shoreline to climax forest. The day-use peninsula park is a fantastic spot for bicycling, canoeing, rowing, kayaking, boating, fishing, hiking, and picnicking. Guests can view the park's more than 320 species of birds along the trails, or take a dip at the nine beaches open for summer swimming. The park's Tom Ridge Environmental Center features a number of interactive exhibits, the Big Green screen Theater, cafe, gift shop and 75-foot tower with spectacular views of Presque Isle. Presque Isle State Park is open daily from 5 AM to sunset, with evening driving hours until 11 PM in the summer and until 9 PM in the winter. Groups can reserve the park's picnic pavilions, 200-person Cookhouse with an indoor food preparation area, three day-use shelters with electric, water, picnic tables and fireplaces and the 150-person Rotary Pavilion with a large kitchen.

Conveniently located in the heart of Erie's downtown entertainment and cultural district, the Erie Insurance Arena is a true multi-purpose facility equipped for sporting events, concerts, tradeshows, conventions and meetings. Opened in 1983, the Erie

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Conveniently located in the heart of Erie's downtown entertainment and cultural district, the Erie Insurance Arena is a true multi-purpose facility equipped for sporting events, concerts, tradeshows, conventions and meetings. Opened in 1983, the Erie Insurance Arena is home of the Ontario Hockey League Erie Otters, CIFL Erie Explosion and NBA D-League Erie BayHawks. The arena features 7,000 fully upholstered chairs, which include 5,500 permanent theater style seats, as well as 30,000 square feet of exhibition space. Groups can also gather in the 50-person conference room and private meeting rooms in the upper-level skyboxes.

Erie's iconic Warner Theatre is known for its timeless elegance and art deco interior, complete with gold and silver leaf, gold-backed French mirrors and crushed velour. Named for the world-famous Warner Bros., who commissioned the theatre in 1929,

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Erie's iconic Warner Theatre is known for its timeless elegance and art deco interior, complete with gold and silver leaf, gold-backed French mirrors and crushed velour. Named for the world-famous Warner Bros., who commissioned the theatre in 1929, the 2,250-seat theater opened in 1931 and today hosts concerts, Broadway shows, Erie Philharmonic shows and private seminars. In fact, the theater is home to the Erie Philharmonic, Erie Civic Music Association, Lake Erie Ballet and Erie Broadway Series. Warner Theatre welcomes private rentals throughout its facility, including its ornate Grand Lobby, which accommodates up to 500 people. Tours are available.

The landmark Erie Art Museum occupies a group of restored mid-19th-century commercial buildings, including an 1839 Greek Revival Bank. The museum showcases a collection of more than 7,000 works, including American ceramics, Tibetan paintings, Indian

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The landmark Erie Art Museum occupies a group of restored mid-19th-century commercial buildings, including an 1839 Greek Revival Bank. The museum showcases a collection of more than 7,000 works, including American ceramics, Tibetan paintings, Indian bronzes and much more. Designated a Regional Folk Art Support Center, the museum welcomes a variety of visiting exhibitions each year, and houses a cafe, gift shop and the popular ClaySpace, a ceramic arts facility with pottery and sculpture classes. The Erie Art Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 5 PM and Sunday from 1 to 5 PM. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for students and free for children under age 5. All visitors receive free admission every Wednesday and second Sunday. The museum’s modern facility with an open floor plan and floor to ceiling windows serves as the perfect backdrop for private events and gatherings. Indoor and outdoor rental spaces include the 300-person Multipurpose Room, 350-person Fifth Street Courtyard, 125-person Hagen Family Gallery, 35-person Inner Courtyard and 35-person Library Conference Room.

A unique winery in nearby North East, Courtyard Wineries showcases both the LaCourette and Barjo Bons and houses a tasting room with a separate tasting area for each brand. Opened in 2010 by seven wine enthusiasts, Courtyard Wineries offers tastings

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A unique winery in nearby North East, Courtyard Wineries showcases both the LaCourette and Barjo Bons and houses a tasting room with a separate tasting area for each brand. Opened in 2010 by seven wine enthusiasts, Courtyard Wineries offers tastings of LaCourette’s dry and semi-dry selections, and Barjo Bons’ sweet and semi-sweet blends. Visitors can join standard tastings or reserved VIP tastings in the winery’s barrel room, while groups of 12 to 60 can reserve private group tastings. Courtyard Wineries’ tasting room is open daily from Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM and Sunday from noon to 5 PM. Tasting fees apply. More than a winery, Courtyard Wineries is also a fantastic location for private events, thanks to its 100-person Main Tasting Room, 15-person Oak Barrel Room and 1,800-square-foot outdoor Vineyard Veranda, which is situated next to a large, grassy area.

Situated on the bayfront Dobbins Landing, Smugglers Wharf is a causal, nautical-themed eatery invoking the spirit of Key West. The comfortable restaurant serves a variety of seafood and American classics, including its signature langostino-crab

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Situated on the bayfront Dobbins Landing, Smugglers Wharf is a causal, nautical-themed eatery invoking the spirit of Key West. The comfortable restaurant serves a variety of seafood and American classics, including its signature langostino-crab cakes, coconut shrimp with raspberry-mango coulis, filet mignon with roasted garlic butter and chicken breast coated in pecan breading and served with bourbon sauce. Smugglers Wharf serves lunch and dinner daily during the peak season, while its winter hours are Wednesday and Thursday from 11:30 AM to 9 PM, Friday and Saturday from 11:30 AM to 10 PM and Sunday from 11:30 AM to 7 PM. Entrees range from $16 to $20. Smugglers Wharf welcomes group dining and offers custom catering services.

Erie's exclusive brewpub and restaurant, The Brewerie at Union Station serves handcrafted ales and classic American fare in a reputedly haunted former rail station. The historic restaurant serves a selection of sandwiches, salads, burgers,

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Erie's exclusive brewpub and restaurant, The Brewerie at Union Station serves handcrafted ales and classic American fare in a reputedly haunted former rail station. The historic restaurant serves a selection of sandwiches, salads, burgers, sandwiches, pub fare and such entrees as ale marinated steak with mashed potatoes, Nut Brown vegetable gravy and seasoned green beans, beer battered fish and chips and grilled chicken over penne pasta with portabella mushrooms, roasted red bell peppers, baby spinach and marinara. The Brewerie at Union Station features several dining areas, including its Rotunda, Tap Room, balcony and seasonal Trackside Beer Garden. The restaurant is open Monday through Thursday from 11:30 AM to 10 PM and Friday and Saturday from 11:30 AM to midnight. Entrees range from $10 to $19. Groups can gather in the restaurant's 30-person private dining room.

Dedicated to authentic Irish fare and atmosphere, Molly Brannigans Irish Pub & Restaurant boasts an interior designed and assembled by Irish carpenters. The restaurant's tables, chairs, mirrors, pictures and bric a brac are all imported from Ireland

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Dedicated to authentic Irish fare and atmosphere, Molly Brannigans Irish Pub & Restaurant boasts an interior designed and assembled by Irish carpenters. The restaurant's tables, chairs, mirrors, pictures and bric a brac are all imported from Ireland and reconstructed on site. Molly Brannigans' menu of traditional Irish fare, pub selections and more includes such favorites as strip steak with colcannon mashed potatoes, mushrooms and Guinness demi-glace, shepherd's pie with soda bread and fire-grilled Irish bangers over mashed redskins with Guinness demi-glace and braised cabbage. Molly Brannigans Irish Pub & Restaurant is open daily from 11 AM. Entrees range from $11 to $19. The restaurant welcomes group dining and features catering services.

The award-winning Bertrand's Bistro serves fine French cuisine, utilizing fresh local meats and vegetables, as well as organic and Kosher products whenever possible. Set across from Perry Square and a recipient of the Wine Spectator's Award of

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The award-winning Bertrand's Bistro serves fine French cuisine, utilizing fresh local meats and vegetables, as well as organic and Kosher products whenever possible. Set across from Perry Square and a recipient of the Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence, Bertrand's Bistro reflects a classic French bistro with its simple decor, white linens and dark woods. Entree selections include veal cutlets sauteed in olive oil and served with a sauce of shallots, mushrooms, Marsala wine, Dijon mustard, white wine and cream, filet mignon served on brioche crouton and topped with foie gras, mushroom cap and bordelaise sauce, and jumbo sea scallops seared in olive oil and served over onion marmalade with simplice sauce. The bistro also serves a number of sweet and savory crepes, with such ingredients as orange butter sauce with Grand Marnier and pecan, honey, caramel sauce, mascarpone, cinnamon and nutmeg ice cream. Bertrand's Bistro is open Tuesday through Thursday from 5 to 9 PM, Friday and Saturday from 5 to 10 PM and Sunday from 11 AM to 2 PM. Entrees range from $16 to $34.

Specializing in fine American cuisine, Pufferbelly Restaurant is housed in a low-lit 1908 renovated firehouse adorned with firehouse-related artifacts and memorabilia. Named after the nickname given to steam pumpers and engines of the late 1800s,

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Specializing in fine American cuisine, Pufferbelly Restaurant is housed in a low-lit 1908 renovated firehouse adorned with firehouse-related artifacts and memorabilia. Named after the nickname given to steam pumpers and engines of the late 1800s, Pufferbelly Restaurant serves such selections as grilled chicken with brie, apples, bacon, honey-brandy sauce, wild rice and vegetables, crab cakes with sweet habanera sauce and chargrilled bistro steak with sauteed mushrooms and peppercorn sauce over spinach fettuccini. Pufferbelly Restaurant is open Monday through Thursday from 11:30 to 8 PM, Friday and Saturday from 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM and Sunday from 11:30 AM to 8 PM. The restaurant features patio dining, group dining and catering services.

Families, adults and groups alike can experience the tropics at the Splash Lagoon Indoor Waterpark, which features a wave pool, ropes course, thrill slides, lazy river and 80,000-gallon activity pool all under one 6.5-story roof. Guests can test

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Families, adults and groups alike can experience the tropics at the Splash Lagoon Indoor Waterpark, which features a wave pool, ropes course, thrill slides, lazy river and 80,000-gallon activity pool all under one 6.5-story roof. Guests can test their nerve on tandem bowl rides with slide speeds of over 40 miles per hour, relax in the adults-only hot tub or get soaked by 1,000 gallons of water, courtesy of the massive tipping bucket. Aside from its water activities, the park also houses an arcade and lazer tag area. Splash Lagoon Indoor Waterpark is open daily with seasonal hours. Peak admission is $45 for adults and $35 for guests less than 42 inches tall, while non-peak admission is $40 for adults and $30 for guests less than 42 inches tall. Children age 2 and under receive free admission. Group rentals are available.

A popular casino and horseracing track complex, Presque Isle Downs & Casino features a 140,000-square-foot clubhouse with 2,000 slots, 48 table games and a state-of-the-art teletheater with wagering stations for live and simulcast fans. The complex

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A popular casino and horseracing track complex, Presque Isle Downs & Casino features a 140,000-square-foot clubhouse with 2,000 slots, 48 table games and a state-of-the-art teletheater with wagering stations for live and simulcast fans. The complex hosts a 100-day live racing schedule and houses four lounges, dining options overlooking the racetrack, as well as features regular live entertainment and concerts. Presque Isle Downs & Casino is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Groups are welcome.

Dedicated to producing high-quality live orchestra concerts and programs that enrich, entertain and educate audiences of all ages, the Erie Philharmonic boasts a nearly 100-year history of excellence. The philharmonic is home to the Erie Philharmonic

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Dedicated to producing high-quality live orchestra concerts and programs that enrich, entertain and educate audiences of all ages, the Erie Philharmonic boasts a nearly 100-year history of excellence. The philharmonic is home to the Erie Philharmonic Chorus and the Erie Junior Philharmonic, the third oldest youth orchestra in the U.S. Erie Philharmonic’s symphonic and pop series take place at the historic Warner Theatre.

Regarded as the city’s premier family attraction, the 15-acre Erie Zoo is home to 400-some animals representing more than 100 species. Visitors can explore the zoo’s 11 gardens, hop on the carousel or train and view such animals as the African lion,

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Regarded as the city’s premier family attraction, the 15-acre Erie Zoo is home to 400-some animals representing more than 100 species. Visitors can explore the zoo’s 11 gardens, hop on the carousel or train and view such animals as the African lion, Eastern grey kangaroo, polar bear, red panda and white rhinoceros. The Erie Zoo is open daily March through September from 10 AM to 5 PM. Off-season admission from March through the end of April is $7.50 for adults and $4 for children ages 2 to 12, while peak season admission from the end of April through the beginning of September is $8.50 for adults and $5 for children ages 2 to 12; children under age 2 receive free admission. Carousel and train rides are $2 per person. The zoo welcomes group outings at reduced group rates.

Located at the Chestnut Street Boathouse, Port Erie Sports offers boat and Jet Ski rentals, as well as paddleboat, tube, ski, kayak, canoe and bicycle rentals, all perfect for exploring Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay. Guests have the option of

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Located at the Chestnut Street Boathouse, Port Erie Sports offers boat and Jet Ski rentals, as well as paddleboat, tube, ski, kayak, canoe and bicycle rentals, all perfect for exploring Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay. Guests have the option of runabouts, jet boats, offshore fishing and bay fishing boats. Port Erie Sports is open during the summer months from 7 AM to sundown.